Guguluf with walnut and mascarpone

Delicious Walnut and Mascarpone Gugelhupf Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines delicacy with flavor? The walnut and mascarpone gugelhupf is a perfect choice for any occasion, from a simple gathering with friends to important celebrations. This simple and quick recipe promises an impressive result, and the creamy taste of mascarpone cheese perfectly blends with the intense flavor of walnuts, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

History of Gugelhupf

The gugelhupf has its roots in the pastry traditions of various cultures, often associated with festive moments and family gatherings. Its distinctive ring shape symbolizes unity and the joy of being together. Today, this dessert has evolved into countless variants, but our walnut and mascarpone recipe adds a touch of elegance and refinement.

Basic Ingredients

To prepare this delicious gugelhupf, you will need the following ingredients:

- 3 fresh eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (or the seeds from a vanilla pod for a more natural taste)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) of oil (sunflower or olive oil, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup (100 g) of ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (optional, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup (150 g) of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 250 g of mascarpone cheese

Useful Tips about Ingredients

- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. This will help the dessert to be fluffier.
- Sugar: You can replace white sugar with brown sugar for a caramelized taste and a deeper hue.
- Walnuts: Opt for fresh, finely ground walnuts. Pecan nuts or hazelnuts can also be a delicious alternative.
- Oil: Olive oil adds a subtle flavor, while sunflower oil is more neutral, allowing other flavors to shine.
- Mascarpone: Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for even integration into the batter.

Preparation Technique

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Prepare a gugelhupf pan or a loaf pan by greasing it with a little oil and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.

2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume, a process that should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, continuing to mix. This is the stage where you emulsify the ingredients, and the batter will become creamy and rich.

4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cocoa (if using), and ground walnuts. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, just until the ingredients combine.

6. Finally, add the mascarpone cheese and gently incorporate it. This will add creaminess and a refined taste to your gugelhupf.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula.

8. Bake the gugelhupf in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Check if it is done using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the dessert is perfectly baked.

9. Once the gugelhupf is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a kitchen rack to cool completely.

10. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

The walnut and mascarpone gugelhupf is ideal to be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or tea. You can also add a teaspoon of berry jam to contrast with the creamy texture of the mascarpone cheese. If you want to indulge, a warm chocolate sauce on top will turn this dessert into a true delight.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, here are a few variations you can try:

- Add pieces of dark or white chocolate to the batter for a flavor explosion.
- Use goat cheese instead of mascarpone for a more intense taste.
- You can replace the walnuts with almonds or pistachios to change the texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if my gugelhupf didn't rise well?
Make sure you used fresh ingredients and followed the quantities. Give it enough time to bake at the correct temperature.

2. Can I replace mascarpone with something else?
Yes, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will be different. Mascarpone provides a fine and creamy texture.

3. How can I store the gugelhupf?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge to prolong its freshness.

4. Can I freeze the gugelhupf?
Yes, the gugelhupf can be frozen. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Nutritional Benefits

The walnut and mascarpone gugelhupf is not only delicious but also nutritious. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while mascarpone cheese provides calcium and vitamins A and D. This dessert can be enjoyed in moderation, being a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and prepare this walnut and mascarpone gugelhupf! Make sure to enjoy every step of the process and, most importantly, every bite of this delicious dessert. Enjoy your meal!